President Barack Obama bestows the Presidential Medal of Freedom on more than a dozen prominent Americans 50 years after the death of the award's founder, President John F. Kennedy.

President Barack Obama bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on more than a dozen prominent Americans 50 years after the death of the award's founder, President John F. Kennedy.

Obama presented the medal, which is the highest award the US gives a civilian, to leaders from the worlds of sports, entertainment, science and public service.

Among the honorees were former United State President Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey. "He doesn't stop. He's helped lead relief efforts after the Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquake, his foundation and global initiative have helped to save or improved the lives of literally hundreds of millions of people," said President Obama of Mr Clinton's work after leaving office.

He also jokingly thanked Mr Clinton for his "patience during the endless travels" of Hillary Clinton, as former Secretary of State.

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